Head of Key Stage 3

CHIPPING NORTON SCHOOL; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Chipping Norton School is seeking a dedicated Head of Key Stage 3 to lead pastoral oversight, drive academic progress across Years 7 to 9, and support a team of tutors. You will hold strategic accountability for student achievement, attendance and wellbeing across KS3, collaborating with senior leaders to design interventions and oversee key stage events.

The role requires strong classroom teaching, data-driven decision making, and robust safeguarding practice, with a focus on maintaining a

Qualifications

• Strong classroom teaching and effective pastoral leadership.
• Monitor student progress, attendance and behaviour data to intervene in a timely way.
• Lead a team of tutors delivering tutor time and PSHE.
• Lead assemblies and work with families to build student rapport.
• Commitment to safeguarding regulations and child protection procedures.

Responsibilities

• Take strategic accountability for KS3 student achievement, attendance and wellbeing.
• Design targeted interventions and oversee key stage events.
• Maintain a calm, purposeful environment across Year 7–9.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Data monitoring

Team leadership

Communication

Safeguarding

Job description

At Chipping Norton School, we want every student to step into their secondary journey with clarity, support, and high ambition. We are seeking a dedicated Head of Key Stage 3 to lead pastoral oversight, drive academic progress across Years 7 to 9, and support our team of tutors.

Why This Role Matters You will hold strategic accountability for student achievement, attendance, and wellbeing across Key Stage 3. Working collaboratively with senior leaders, you will design targeted interventions, oversee key stage events, and maintain a calm, purposeful environment across the year groups. Walking through our classrooms at 10 am on a normal Tuesday, you will see engaged students who are focused on their learning, taught by colleagues delivering lessons to a high standard.

What You’ll Bring

• A track record of strong classroom teaching and effective pastoral leadership.

• Skill in monitoring student progress, attendance, and behaviour data to implement timely interventions.

• Leadership capacity to brief, support, and guide a team of tutors delivering tutor time and PSHE.

• Strong communication skills for leading assemblies, working with families, and building rapport with students.

• Deep commitment to safeguarding regulations and child protection procedures

The \"Why Us\" Difference

• Professional Agency: The autonomy to lead Key Stage 3 and implement effective pastoral strategies suited to our school setting.

• Evidence-Informed Practice: Access to shared networks and evidence-based leadership CPLD across our secondary schools.

• Workload-Sensitive Approach: Centrally supported administrative systems designed to help you focus on direct student impact.

The RLT Connection Education has the power to change lives. Being part of the River Learning Trust means you have the backing of a stable, values-driven network:

• Professional Security: Recognised continuous public sector service and access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS).

• Shared Growth: Funding for professional pathways, including NPQs and leadership qualifications.

• The Whole Person: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and flexible working practices that support your wellbeing.

River Learning Trust and Chipping Norton School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. We are an exempt employer under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

We actively value the \"different contributions\" you can make. We want you to be at your best during the application process; if you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know.

Next Steps

• Start a Conversation: Contact Yvette Armistead [e-mail] or Richard Trimmer [e-mail]. + to arrange an informal phone call or site visit.